I love the fact that the last pictures you pick are the first to go on the blog- I don't think I will ever get this down. And I'm sure that I have already posted most of these. Which I say "so what" at least I'm blogging. And I want to remind all those you have commented about my lack of blogging- let me just remind you just who started this blog- it wasn't me, ok, now that that is over. I am finally home, not going any place until a week from Friday when we head down to Atlanta to see Brynley blessed. I had the realization (is that even a word?) that Dad and I will have seen all of our Granddaugthers blessed this year, that is so cool. Anyways- I love this picture of Ezra, he is so intent in what he is looking at, I'm sure it is the watermellon as that had all the kids looking. At this time we had the Maten's staying with us. It was hard to keep all the kids away from the little watermelon.

Alas, it really hasn't grown much more than this and some animal even ate one. Hey it's our first attempt at growing watermelon, the tomatoes are doing well and providing us with enough for every day eating- got loves those BLTs.

Swimming at our Pool at the hotel when we took Jordan to the MTC. Out to eat for Jordan's last supper.

Oh my, has Ashlyn grown since this picture, she now has what we affectionately call Thunder Thighs. Why is it so cute on a baby and so NOT on me.

MTC

Wednesday Noon July 1st. After we had a last meal at the Brick Oven, We are in front of the MTC, taking our pictures as this supposedly is as close as we can come, because of the "Pig" Flu. Jordan sure looks like a Missionary. Though still need to work on the hands in the pocket approach.






Jordan the new Missionary is now surrounded by "Babes" he looks like he is enjoying himself. Shelley is wishing she could go with him. She is so excited for him.













Then a family shot, well 3.33333333 of his family. Shelley is taking the picture, thanks Shelley.

Jordan and Dad- yes he now has hair, get use to it. I believe it will not go away with a razor again.

The last hug for two years. We are at the drop at the curb, take out bags and missionary and then drive away. They first told us that we had to say our goodbyes in the parking lot as no one was to get out of the car except the Missionary, but when we drove up to the curb, my door was opened and they told us to say our last goodbyes, we will say that it was much easier this time, not the long drawn out, tearful goodbyes in times that are past. We will miss Jordan, but excited for the growth in him that will take place in the next two years. Serve well

Early July in Utah

Yeah, so much for my weekly pictures of how does your garden grow, man where did the last two months go. Anyway we went to Utah to take Jordan to the MTC here is a few pictures.

Jordan felt bad that he had given his Germany blanket to Liam and had nothing for Gavin, so he gave his BYU hat to him, Gavin proudly worn it for at least a few mintues. It was so good to see everyone, we sure miss you all.

This is our first day in Utah. The boys went swimming and I took pictures of them and Ashlyn, Ally took some too, but she was in the pool also at time. Ashlyn continues to grow as do all babies do, wow she is sure cute.

The boys acted like they were fish in the water, it was fun to see them, glad we had a pool at the hotel, next time Grandpa and Grandma need to bring their swimming suits so we can join them. Sure glad Ally brought hers.

The First of the weekly pictures of the gardens- I like to see the difference of the growth, now granted the spring flowers will go away, but I thought they looked pretty. Just wanted to share.

Last week we had a few days of warmth-it was great and things really started to come up. Now if I can keep the animals from pulling up the newly planted hostas that I split from others. I think things will really be filled in this year.

The hamocks came out on Saturday and Dad and I both took time to enjoy them. Always need to take time to smell the roses by laying and just listening to the sounds of nature.

Goodbye Tramp

YESSSSSS!!!!!! After many tries and much inpatience I finally succeed in down loading pictures from the camera to the computer. We had wanted to show the pictures of what happened to the Trampoline during a major storm.

There were marks on the swingset and the wood around the play area where the Trampoline was dragged and tried to resist the power of the wind, but the wind won. It finally ended wedged in between the trees. It took some work but Dad and I were able to get it freed from the trees. We gave the mat and springs to the Larsons. The net went into the trash and all the metal we sold to a metal salvage place for 3 bucks Whahoo!!!!!

We shall miss the trampoline, hopefully we will replace it. Ally, when she is better likes to jump, as does her friends.

Dad suggested that we buy a 10ft tramp put in in the ground in front of the swings so kids can swing, jump off onto the tramp and then do a flip onto the ground. I believe Dad thinks we are all gymnasts. I'm sure in his youth he would of loved to try that.

March - a little bit of this and a little bit of that!

Really warm one day, cold the next.

Sunny then dreary.

Windy then REALLY windy.

Crocus's blooming.

Hasta's curling.

Windows open in the evening and closed in the morning.

It's my FAVORITE time of year!!!

Snow

Snow- Anna told me to take some pictures of our big snowfall and put them on our blog. Well it has taken me over a week to do it and now they are saying we could get even more snow than what we got in this snowfall. I'm hoping for a 2 hour delay. Please not a snow day. It just takes away a 3 day weekend and that's not fun. But anyway, here is our "big snowfall" a big 4 inches.







But of course I couldn't resist and I took a picture of one of my favorite bird. Just second to the colorful Cardnial. This is the Pileated Woodpecker. It is our largest Woodpecker, it measures about 19 inches. It is so cool to see it in the yard and even better at one of the suet feeders, When we had small suet feeders it would wrap it's tail up over the bottom of the feeder up to the other side as it enjoyed the suet. It was fun to watch. When it makes its sound you feel like you are in a jungle, almost like a monkey. But you'll just have to come here in the summer to hear it's unusual sound. Here it is on a tree, looking for some frozen bugs.









Here is Ally coming home from school. The snowflakes were really big. Can you see that she is wearing flip flops? That's my daughter, or better yet she is her father's daughter.